Exercise steady!!!

Regular, moderate exercise is better than occasional bursts. Exercise is healthy - to a degree, Regular physical activity is better than occasional all-out workouts.

A lot of people go way overboard with exercise. In today's society, there are many people who push the envelope, that is who use and abuse exercise to reach even exceed limits. If we look at the recommended physical activity level its is intensive exercise thrice a week. But currently, 75% of the people cannot be persuaded to exercise. They are not interested. They consider physical activity as a strain and don't want to do it. The physical activity recommendation currently is 5 times a week. for 30 minutes. This activity is not to be understood as formal exercising but it can be cycling to work, gardening or performing stretches at office.

Listen to your body and take occasional breaks.

Eye Care Tips

• Wash your eyes with cold water at regular intervals.
• Eat foods rich in vitamins like papaya, egg, fish, milk, green leafy vegetables.
• Increase your water intake.
• Use slices of cucumber and potato regularly to reduce the dark circles under your eyes.
• Blink often or close your eyes to relax the eye muscles.
• Take a short nap to reduce the puffiness in the eyes.
• Get regular eye-check ups done.
• Wear proper sun glasses.
• Foods rich in vitamin A helps reduce the risk of night- blindness and cataract. 

Do not starve to become slim

People who want to slim down should never starve. Several days of starving increases the craving for food. To prevent over eating impulse the stomach must be filled and the body’s requirements of vital nutrients must be met.

The intake and choice of foods should not be restricted too radically because the rapid weight loss creates adverse effects. A basic slimming diet consists of vegetables, legumes, fruit, leafy greens, nuts, saltwater fish, lean meat, poultry and milk or dairy products. The diet should be balanced.

Slight changes in the diet will certainly help in burning the fat in a healthy way. Occasional indulgence in desired low fat chocolates/sweets is permissible. The weight loss should be gradual and should not cut down the metabolic rate.

 
 
Courtesy : The hindu, Wellness, 5/3/2012

Tips to ease mouth ulcers

Here are some tips to ease mouth ulcers:

Gargle frequently with a solution made of salt and warm water.  the saline mixture sterilises the mouth blisters.
Avoid drinking tea or coffee and spicy foods.
Rub a garlic onto the ulcer.  It may sting but the ulcer maybe gone in a while.
Add a teaspoon of honey to a glass of water and gargle.
Mouth ulcers are due to lack of vitamin C.  Drink plenty of orange juice.
Much few raw onions as the sulphur in the onions are good cure  for ulcers.

Beneficial Junk Foods!!!!

Recent studies have proved that certain junk foods can also be beneficial.  Indulging in some of these junk foods of course limited quantities may impart goodness.

Popcorn

A desirable movie accompaniment helps to curb cravings a is very less in calories.

Processed Cheese

The anti-carcinogenic properties found in cheese is an effective antioxidant.

Baked snacks

These are the most recent introductions which contain very less oil and made of whole wheat and dash of spice.  Which is a delight for the taste buds and curb cravings. Whole wheat crackers that are available is the best example for baked snacks and is a preferred tea time snack.

Red wine

Resveratrol in the red wine helps prevent inflammations.  It is also rich in antioxidants that prevent heart disease and cancer.

Dark Chocolates

Dark chocolates help keep blood pressure under control. 

Courtesy: Times of India 7/10/2009

Did you Know??

Cashew has obesity and gallstone-fighting fighting properties.  Magnesium present in cashews ensures healthy bones and teeth.  The copper content in cashew increases the antioxidant defenses.  Cashew is rich in iron and calcium.

Watermelon is a good source of antioxidant lycopene.  This antioxidant travels throughout the body, neutralising the free radicals that cause fat-related health problems.  It also reduces the risks of prostate cancer.

The mucilage and fibre found in lady's finger helps adjust the blood sugar by regulating its absorption in the small intestine.  It helps in reabsorbing water and traps excess cholesterol, metabolic toxins and surplus bile and slips it through the stools.  It helps in propogation of the probiotic bacteria.

Yoga a stress reliever

Yoga not only helps trim your body but also helps to relieve stress.  Breathing exercises has several advantages.  You can do it anywhere and has immediate effect.  Breathing relaxes the muscles and calms the mind.  They help oxygenate the blood stream.  Meditation is the next level once you have learnt the breathing techniques.   Meditation helps increase concentration.  Mediation should be done initially for a few minutes and then increased gradually. Meditation also helps calm the mind.

Once you are stressed start relaxing the different muscles in your body... this may sound difficult as you will have to park the emotions a side for a few minutes.  Start relaxing your facial muscles and then neck, shoulder etc.,  By relaxing you are teaching your body to distress.

Listening to music is also a stress reliever.  When you are tensed start listening to some music and remind yourself of some good memories.  Music can calm your mind and body and also helps lower blood pressure.

Exercising is also a stress buster.  It provides dual benefit of retaining a trim body as well as calms the mind.

For more information on Yoga visit http://www.healthtips.in/yoga_tips_technics.asp

Keep dandruff at bay

Tips to get rid of dandruff

Healthy hair testifies a healthy body.  Following are some tips to have a dandruff free hair

·         Avoid junk and oily food as they are the main reasons for dandruff.

·         Avoid caffine.

·         Avoid hair colouring and applying chemicals if you have dandruff as it will worsen the problem.

·         Oil your  hair regularly.

·         Make a mixture of egg white and lemon juice and apply it on the scalp.  This helps Make a mixture of egg white and lemon juice and apply it on the scalp.  This gives relief from a itchy scalp.

·         Drink plenty of water.

·         Wash your hair regularly in luke warm water.

·         Protect your hair from dust.

·         Consume a balanced diet rich in protein and iron.

Tips to prevent leg cramps

Leg cramps are very painful and often the pain stays for longer periods affecting free movements.  Here are some tips that help preven cramps

 

·         Soothe the pain by dipping your leg in lukewarm water before sleeping.

·         Mildly massaging the affected area with lavender oil could ease pain.

·         Make it a routine to mildly stretch the muscles that are often cramped.

·         Leg cramps at nights can be quiet severe.  Consume a tablespoon of honey before bedtime as honey reduces the chances of muscle contraction.

·         Drink plenty of water.

·         Muscle cramps could also occur due to electrolyte imbalance.  Try to include green leafy vegetables in your diet as often as possible.

·         Potassium intake is very vital, hence consume atleast two bananas daily to keep leg cramps at bay.

Exercise to keep fit.

Healthy adults should make it a practice to engage in 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five times a week, according to medical experts. Moderate physical activity means conversations are still possible while exercising. Alternatively, people can also train intensely for 20 minutes, three times a week. Trained fitness specialists have come up with the precise exercise recommendations for healthy adults.

Along with the exercise, a regular stretching program is also recommended. Ten repetitions of eight to 10 different exercises twice a week are considered best. All major muscle groups should be included.

The prescribed time periods can also be spread out over the day, though each period should be at least 10 minutes. The regular activity should lessen the chance of metabolic problems and other illnesses.

Diabetes and Kidney Failures

Did you know that diabetes affects the kidney? Diabetic nephropathy (diabetic kidney disease) is one of the important specific complications of diabetes. Around 30 to 50 percent of people with kidney failure are diabetics.

Uncontrolled high blood sugar for long period of time produces functional and later structural changes in the kidneys. But it is very unfortunate that the changes occurring in kidneys are not clinically obvious to the  doctor.  The symptom the patient shows is until the kidney function is severely affected and the disease has reached an irreversible stage. One way of  detecting early kidney damage in diabetes is through urine test. Presence of albumin leak in urine is called albuminuria of proteinuria.

In routine urine examination will detect albuminuria. However, as there are no symptoms this is not given any clinical importance and often goes unnoticed without medical care. Albumunuria is a symptom of early diabetic kidney disease. Aggressive treatment should start at this time and the progression of the kidney damage could be delayed or arrested.

Most research studies have shown that adequate and long-term control of blood sugar, blood pressure and nutritional changes can help in preventing kidney disease. However, the efforts should start early in the life of people with diabetes. New classes of drugs used for treatment of hypertension are called angiotension-converting enzyme inhibitors. These agents were originally invented and used for treatment of hypertension. But they were found to be beneficial in preventing kidney disease in persons with diabetes, especially in patients who have albuminuria.

Other than the specific diabetes kidney disease, people with diabetes are also more prone to urinary tract infections. Chronic recurrent urinary tract infection is more common due to high blood sugar levels. Diabetes can also affect the nerves supplying the urinary bladder and produce abnormal bladder function (diabetes ystopathy). This can lead to deficient urinary evacuation and urinary retention. Therefore prevention of infections also helps in preventing kidney damage in diabetes.

So, remember, if you are a diabetic then have urine examination for albumin periodically to detect kidney disease.

Courtesy : The Hindu

Health Tips - how to control diabetes and maintain a healthy kidney

I think you should  know that diabetes affects the kidney.   Diabetic kidney disease, also known as Diabetic nephropathy, is one of the key specific complication of diabetes.  Thirty to Fifty percent of people who had kidney failure are found to be diabetic.

Blood sugar if not controlled and if it grows high, over a period of time, produces functional and later structural changes in the kidneys. But the unfortunate fact is, the changes that occur in the kidney is not clinically visible or traceable to the treating doctor. Only when the kidney function is severely affected and the disease has reached an irreversible stage, the symptoms are shown in the patient.

More detailed tips to control diabetes and safeguard the kidney

Nutrition Tips: No need to say "No"

Coconut

Coconut is wholesome. Every part of it can be used. Coconut has anti-fungal and anti-viral properties that can be useful to the body.

Groundnuts

Groundnuts has antioxidants which very few plants have and it is called reservetol. It has properties that can burn the stubborn fat in your bodies. Eating some peanuts will keep the heart healthy. It helps you mobilise the fat deposited areas that needs to be worked on.

Rice

Rice is a must-have. Grown regionally, eat rice as it has methionine needed for lustrous hair. If you are dieting and cutting out rice, you will notice how the diet leads to hairfall. Always check for rice with red lines on them. That is the rice you should be eating.

Ghee

Always add ghee in your food. Ghee or clarified butter increases the immunity needed in a body. It should be an integral part of your diet as it increases the flexibility needed for bones. It is also an important anti-ageing agent. Make it at home to avoid impuritie

Alcohol - Benefits and Drawbacks

ALCOHOL

Alcohol is been used since prehistoric times.  Its primarily consumed for the mood it invokes.  Ethyl alcohol is  the main ingredient of alcoholic beverages.  It is made by fermentation of starch or sugar. Almost any sweet or starchy food like potatoes, grains, honey, grapes and other fruits, even dandelions can be turned into alcohol. Unlike most foods, alcohol is not digested but gets absorbed into the blood stream.  Due to this nature of Alcohol there are few benefits and drawbacks.

BENEFITS

·         Consumed moderately lowers the risk of heart attack and reduces the risk of clot formation.

·         Regular consumption of small quantities shall aid in improving appetite and aid digestion

·         Promotes  happy mood.

DRAWBACKS

·         Becomes an addiction

·         Prevents medication from healing

·         Regular consumption over a period of time increases the  risk of cancers, as well as heart and liver disease.

Recent studies have found that drinking small amounts of alcohol, especially red wine, lowers the risk of a heart attack. Studies also have proven having two alcoholic drinks a day offers more than double the protection from cardiovascular disease than one drink provides. The risk of a heart attack lowers because alcohol reduces the detrimental effects of elevated blood cholesterol while also preventing clot formation. In this study levels of bad cholesterol (low density lipoprotein, or LDL) lowered, as did triglyceride levels: High levels of either raise the risk of heart disease.   However, moderation is the key property,  alcohol can be beneficial until consumed moderately.  Excessive consumption may lead to may health problems.

Kidney stone - An insight

What is a kidney stone?

Kidney stone is a hard mass that is caused when calcium oxalate or other chemicals in the urine form crystals that stick together.  These crystals may grow into stones, ranging in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball.  Kidney stones are common between the age of 20 and 40 years.  And they are more common in men, who account for four out of every five cases.

Diagnosis

X-rays can usually identify the presence of stones.  Specialised X-ray techniques (Sometimes using dye injections) or sound waves may be used to identify more accurately the size  and location of the stones and to test kidney functions as well.

Blood and urine tests may help the doctor to zero in on the factors causing the stone and plan the best treatment.

--
G.S.Srinivas

Get a ‘heel’ing touch!

Opting for footwear with a broader heel base has several benefits………
Women spend money and time in procuring perfect pair of shoes. This helps them win appreciative glances from either sex. Women attach more importance to their looks than their health. Health experts across the globe vouch for the bad-effects of the wearing stiletto heels. The prolonged use of high heels gives rise to back as well as severe foot problems. High heels also affect your toes leading to blisters and foot infections.
The human feet is designed to be walked in a certain way so that the arches in the feet help balance body weight. When one wears high heels the nerves in the feet are stressed and the arches would not be able to absorb the shock of the impact. As a result of this a person who uses high heels for prolonged periods may not be able to stand for longer periods and in the long run may not be able to feel their toes.
There are different types of heeled footwear Of the heeled varieties, the pointed stilettos are the worst. Wearing them in the long run can affect your back and knees as they take the maximum pressure in trying to maintaining your balance. This causes your hip muscles in your legs to work harder to move and pull your body forward. Your knees also stay more bent and forward, causing your knee muscles to work harder. But women are often ready to put up with the pain to look good. When you slip your feet into those heels, your body is trying to adjust to height and hence causing a strain on your posture. As you keep wearing heels over a prolonged period of time, the muscles in your back are stressed, this does not allow you to sit erect for too long.

SKIP THE PAIN!

If wearing heels is unavoidable, then it’s important to keep the following tips in mind...

• Take off your heels every few minutes and give your feet a quick massage.

• If you are obsessive about shoes with high heels, make sure that the height of the heels is limited to one inch only.

• Choose heels that can prevent the foot from sliding forward so that you can avoid the pressure on your toes.

• Avoid wearing them to places that do not call for such heels.

For more information on helath tips visit http://www.healthtips.in

Courtesy: Chennai time 28/06/2010

Hazards of Dieting

Going on a diet could increase the risk of developing potentially deadly conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer, a new study has found.

 

The study revealed that those who controlled their calorie intake produced higher levels of the harmful stress hormone cortisol and exposure to the hormone actually made some dieters put on weight, reports the Daily mail.

 

Dieting could actually damage mental health too as many suffered increased psychological stress when they were constantly forced to count calories and monitor what they ate.  Regardless of their success or failure ( in losing weight), if future studies show that dieting increases stress and cortisol, doctors may need to rethink recommending it to their patients to improve to their patients to improve health.

 

Chronic stress, in addition to promoting weight gain, has been linked with coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer.  Dieting might potentially add to this stress burden and its consequences would best not be ignored.

 

The study, by California University in San Francisco and Minnesota University, looked at 121 women who were put on a standard three-week diet of 1200 calories a day – around half a woman's recommended daily amount of 2000 calories.  Each patient was asked to provide a saliva sample before and after the study to test the cortisol levels. 

 

The results showed increase in the amount of the hormone after three weeks on the programme.

 

 

 

Courtesy : Times of India, Chennai Times , 20/04/2010

---

The latest auto launches and test drives Drag n' drop

Healthy Feet

We take our feet for granted but scarcely give a thought to how best to keep them healthy.  Until of course, something goes wrong.

 

The human foot is one of the most complicated parts of the body, each foot has 332 joints, eight arches, 26 bones, more than a hundred muscles, ligaments, and tendons that all work in unison to allow movement.  Foot disorders must be diagnosed and treated early, as they often have the potential to become very painful and incapacitating.

 

There are three common foot problems that when treated early will save you from a lot of pain, and more importantly, form more complications..

 

Corns and Calluses

 

Anybody who ever worn uncomfortable shoes has probably had foot corns and calluses problems.  Foot corns are  a result of too much pressure being applied on the foot's skin, such as when the bones of the feet press against tight shores and also press against each other.  This foot condition is fairly easy to treat.  Doctors often prescribe wider shoes or cushion pads to relieve pressure.

 

Infected Toenails

 

Sometimes, the things you do to clean your toenails can do more harm than good.  Over clipping and digging deep into the sides can cause nails to throb, swell, and become infected and lead to a more serious foot problem called ingrown toenails. Podiatrists usually remove the nail spike and clean the area.  In the worst case, you may have to undergo simple surgery.

 

Athlete's Foot

 

Fungi are attracted to warm and moist areas of the body such as the feet – usually between sweaty toes.  The fungi latch onto the foot and cause itch and peel.  If untreated early, the fungi can even spread to the toenails and lead to what is called as Athlete's Foot.  There are many over-the-counter anti-fungal sprays, creams and powder available to treat this condition.

 

Click here for more Health tips

---

Invest your money wisely post Budget Sign up now.

Tuberculosis - causes and treatment

The most common cause for tuberculosis to manifest in the human body is low immunity. Lifestyle habits, poverty, personal choices and low awareness create situations for the disease to enter the body and spread. Tuberculosis may also come about due to pre-existing conditions that allow for its development. The awareness of actions and the possibility of developing tuberculosis can help large masses stay clear of the disease.

Low Weight
Poor countries have a high incidence of tuberculosis because of the low availability of nutritious food and poor sanitation in the surrounding areas. Research has shown a higher chance of tuberculosis for people with a low BMI – below 18.5. In some extreme cases of anorexia, that involves the loss of weight with extreme dietary restrictions, tuberculosis may appear when there is another infection that places excess stress on the human body. If you have people who fall in this category of weight as a result, it is advisable to contact an agency to visit the location to check and advice about the presence and prevention of spreading the disease.

Drug abuse
People with a history of drug abuse suffer from reduced immunity and have a higher risk of having unsafe sex. The unwitting sharing of needles and the possibility of developing tuberculosis are closely related. Tuberculosis may affect patients of HIV because their immunity is compromised. Added to this, the absence of awareness of the disease and the risk of spreading increase the possibility of transmission from person to person. Latent tuberculosis is another danger that causes the person carrying the germ to continue without symptoms while others who come in close physical contact develop the disease. Avoidance of dangerous habits is necessary to counter the ailment.

Lifestyle
A high-risk lifestyle that involves frequent sexual encounters with different partners, living in crowded surroundings, carers for patients with tuberculosis. Lack of regular exposure to sunlight, poor sanitation facilities and the absence of good hygiene standards are precursors to this disease as are frequent travel to locations with a high incidence of the disease, alcoholism with weakened liver function and poverty are the common causes for the development of tuberculosis. Some patients are carriers and do not develop the disease since their bodies have developed the immunity against it whereas they can spread the disease. It is necessary for communities that living in crowded conditions to ensure that each person is checked for this. Carriers must be trained to avoid certain behaviours that can lead to the spread of the ailment.

Ignorance
The commonest reason for the disease to reach dangerous proportions is the ignorance regarding the developing symptoms and precautions to stem the spread. Lack of isolation of the tuberculosis patient and the complete avoidance out of fear of being infected are both extremes that almost reduce the viability of successful treatment. The patient must be provided nutritious food that may be beyond the reach of the family. The only way to guard against the spread of the disease is with vigilance about the possibility of its symptoms, community awareness of managing the patient and sensitivity towards patients.

The article is submitted by Tuberculosis.net

Party Hangover - How do I manage?

New Year Eve! Festival Season! Party Party Party! Unavoidable.
Excitement and happiness on 31st night party leads to spicy food, drinks, smoke all of them lead to disaster on 1st Jan. I dont think it feels good to have a bad New year. Here are some good tips on how you can manage your 31st night and 1st Jan to feel normal and enjoy the new year.

Acidity and gastritis are normal effects of parties. All you need to do is just realize what you are consuming. Just think twice before over eating and drinking.
Consume lot of water and juices, take more vegetables like cucumber, tomato and fruits like guava, apple, etc. These can control your hangover to some extent.

Make your drinks diluted and take time to drink. Do not gulp in haste and reduce your excitement time. Make it slow and with lot of salads and juices, which can reduce the impact of drinks and junk food.

Have a good sleep. Have a bottle of water on your bedside and whenever you wake up take a few gulps of water (preferably room temperature). Atleast consume a litre of water in the night, so that whatever you have consumed gets diluted.

1st Jan, a hot black tea to start with will help you clean your stomach. Over the day, drink good amount of juices. Avoid citric fruits like orange and lemon. Guava, Banana and apples can help a lot.

Take a hot water bath and allow lot of warm water flow through your face, which will make you feel better. Avoid non-vegetarian food and spicy food during the day and have light food and be kind to your digestive system.

Happy new year! Wish all the readers a great new year agead